USATF Southern California

News

LA84 Cross Country Clinic on 8/20 at Mt SAC

by

Cross country season is just around the corner, and there can be no better way to prepare for this season while getting excited for the year than by attending the free LA84Foundation cross country clinic on August 20 featuring the absolute best high school cross country coaches in the country.

Featured presenters include Jim O’Brien of Arcadia HS—2010 California State DI Champions and NXN National Champions; Lalo Diaz of Loyola HS—2010 California State D II Champions; Chuck Woolridge of Campolindo HS—2010 California State D III champions; and Ken Reeves and Bill Tokar, whose teams have won 14 state championships.

The entire clinic, which is absolutely free to all coaches and interested adults who would like to attend, will be held on Saturday, August 20, at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, and it will feature a full slate of Advanced sessions, a full slate of Beginning sessions, and a full slate of injury prevention and training sessions.

Click here for the full clinic agenda, so you can make plans as to which sessions you would like to attend.

ADVANCED CLINIC SESSIONS: These sessions will feature three great presenters who have all lead their schools to California State Cross Country Championships.

Jim O’Brien: Arcadia High School – 2010 Cal DI State Champions & NXN National Champions—Arcadia High School produced quite possibly the greatest season in all of California High School sports history last year. Not only were they undefeated but they also set new team course records at both Mt. SAC and at the California State Meet.

Lalo Diaz: Loyola High School – Cal DII State Champions—There has been no high school in the country that can match the level of success that Loyola has achieved over the past couple of decades, and last year the team once again peaked at just the right time to win the California State D II championship. Coach Diaz is not only one of the great coaches in the sport but he is also one of the absolute best presenters.

Chuck Woolridge: Campolindo High School – Cal State DIII Champions – Chuck became the first coach in California state cross country meet history to lead two different schools to state championships as his Campolindo squad won the DIII title last season. A true “student of the sport” Chuck has proven he not only knows how to build great programs but also how to guide elite athletes to national success as the same time..

BEGINNING CLINIC SESSIONS: Bill Tokar, Ken Reeves and Tim O’Rourke have all coached multiple state championship teams that have won at the highest levels of the sport.

The full slate of beginning level sessions will take the new coach or volunteer and give them not only the physiological foundations of training the high school distance runner but also lessons on how to recruit new runners, what are the rules coaches need to know, and at the end of the day each attendee will leave with their own team’s training plan for this season.

Bring any new assistants you have or parents who will be helping you this year. They can attend the Beginning Sessions and you can attend the Advanced sessions, and then you can all talk about your upcoming season at lunch time or later in the week.

HEALTH AND TRAINING CLINIC SESSIONS: Bill Ito, a USATF trainer, will present four separate sessions that will build upon each other. The first session will be on basic preparation to handle health and injury problems that may occur at a cross country practice or meet. Then, the next three sessions will go in depth into what specific drills and exercises your runners need to be doing to not only prevent injuries but also improve performance.

You can save yourself a great deal of time in the morning of the clinic if you pre-register at our web site: LA84Foundation.com. The cost is absolutely free to everyone thanks to the great sponsorship of the LA84Foundation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Devin Elizondo at the LA84Foundation office (323-730-4618 or [email protected] or Tim O’Rourke [email protected].

Hope you will join us on August 20 at Mt. SAC.

Tim O’Rourke

A Runner’s Circle – A Community of Running

by

“A Runner’s Circle” – the very name of this Los Feliz/Glendale running store suggests a different philosophy towards running. “A runner’s circle,” calls to mind a gathering a friends, a meeting of folks who just share a common passion for running. Owner Joe Matias has built his successful business around the idea of simply helping people to share the joy of running. I made a trip last week to visit ARC on the occasion of their annual election of ARC club officers.

ARC officer elections, July 21, 2011

I was looking forward to stopping by for several reasons: it is hard to find a shoe store more supportive of USATF. The first ARC running singlet I saw was worn by Tove Berg, an elite runner sponsored by ARC. Berg battled through torrential downpours at the 2008 Dana Point Turkey Trot to win the USATF Southern California 10K Championships title in 35:49. But she was just part of the USATF affiliated ARC running team. ARC requires all the pace leaders of their very popular Thursday fun runs to be members of USATF, and regularly stresses the importance of being a USATF member.

ARC President Tricia Dunn

The Thursday fun runs offer several options to runners. My knee had developed a slight twinge since I added in a second track workout a few weeks ago, so I was looking forward to the 5 mile trail run on paths that cross through Griffith Park, adjacent to the ARC store. There is also a 3 mile run, and I just learned that there is a super challenging 8 mile run that charges up some of the steepest hills in the park.

ARC Coach Gerard Deegan

My knee enjoyed the relief from the streets of Culver City, and I had a chance to talk with ARC pace leader Heather Heath. In addition to leading the 8 – 9 mile pace group, Heather is also the founder of Green Running Events, an organization that puts on eco-friendly races. Last year Heather organized the Elysian Park Eco Trail Run which was part of the 2010 USATF Southern California Cross Country Grand Prix. The Eco Trail Run received generous support from ARC. Following the success of last years race, the Eco Trail Run will be held on October 22, with a new and improved course. Other ARC sponsored events include the upcoming 38th Annual Bellarmine-Griffith Park Invitational cross country race to held on September 24, 2011.

ARC Owner Joe Matias and me (Wayne Joness)

Following our run we enjoyed plenty of refreshments, fresh fruit and snacks, then ARC held their elections. Perhaps it was the sound of Coach Deegan’s Irish brogue, but it was hard not to be moved when he addressed the crowd and reminded everyone to “Take pride in your club.” Coach Deegan stressed that every runner was important, and that every runner, regardless of their finishing time, contributed to the success of the club. I always enjoy talking to coach Deegan, a world-class duathlete, who stresses the value of club competition. And club competition is a big part of the Road Running Grand Prix. I noticed in attendance were members of USATF club Gritty City Track Club, John Burgos and Choy Bacor. The Gritty City Track Club is working their way up the club scoring by consistently participating in races.

USATF Club Certificate hangs proudly on the store wall!

All too soon it was time to head back to Culver City, but I again have to thank Joe Matias and his great crew at A Runner’s Circle for supporting USATF, and the sport we all love so much: running!

2011 SCA Road Running Grand Prix – Semana Nautica 15K Results

by

2011 SCA Road Running Grand Prix

2011 Santa Barbara Semana Nautica 15K
Monday – July 4, 2011

Awards – Overall Open Winners

  • Open 1st (M): Forest Braden, M-28, 0:48:33
  • Open 1st (W): Addi Zerrenner, F-15, 1:03:09
  • Open 2nd (M): Jason Brosseau, M-25, 0:52:40
  • Open 2nd (W): Nicole Luque, F-33, 1:04:10
  • Open 3rd (M): Craig Pansing, M-29, 0:53:44
  • Open 3rd (W): Lucie Murray, F-39, 1:06:24

Awards – Overall Masters Winners

  • Masters 1st (M): Dale Campbell, M-57, 0:57:47
  • Masters 1st (W): Lisa Nelms, F-52, 1:08:30
  • Masters 2nd (M): Kent Harris, M-45, 0:58:10
  • Masters 2nd (W): Janet Uribe, F-41, 1:29:06
  • Masters 3rd (M): Adam Radly, M-42, 1:03:40
  • Masters 3rd (W): Colleen Hamman, F-53, 1:30:25

Long Beach International City Bank Half and Full Marathon Training Program

by

Training for the 2011 Long Beach International City Bank Marathon & Half Marathon kicked into high gear on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Runners from around the south land arrived in beautiful Whaley Park (5620 Atherton Street) in Long Beach to participate in a unique training program conducted by Run Racing to train runners for the half and full Long Beach Marathon.

Run Racing coach Jacob (left) and runner Brian (right)

I had the chance to meet up with group for a amiable run around the scenic tree lined streets of Long Beach. Since the program is just starting, the run consisted of a 3.5 or 4.5 mile loop around the California State University Long Beach campus.

Run Racing coaches leading runners in streches before running.

As one would expect, the CSULB campus boulevards are wide and very runner friendly. But there is another reason for familiarizing runners with the Long Beach campus: mile 17 through mile 20 of the full Long Beach Marathon run this same training course. Just when runners typically feel the wind slipping from their sails, they will hit the welcoming campus streets, site of their Saturday workouts. This builds positive associations in the runner’s mind, and helps to pull them through to mile 20, where the rest of the marathon is only a 10K run away! And on race day, there is the added motivation of cheering Cal State students!

Run Racing coaches Jake (left) and Jacob (right)

On Saturday I met Run Racing coaches Jacob and Jake. Jake was politely dismissive of his own running talent, modestly acknowledging a recent 2:53 marathon finish and 1:15 half marathon run. Obviously experienced in the marathon, the coaches (which included Run Racing race director Jason Bruton) lead the runners through an extensive series of warm-ups before hitting the streets.

Running on the California State University Long Beach campus.

I opted for the 4.5 mile loop, and found myself running with Brian. My Saturday run with Brian perfectly illustrates why training with a group brings the kind of results it is almost impossible to achieve with solo running. Between breathing hard, I had to remark to Brian that his pace was, honestly, a little harder than what I usually run. Still, with my USATF t-shirt on, I felt I had to make an effort to hang with Brian for at least a mile. In the end, Brian and I traded the lead a few times. When we checked our pace, I discovered the last two miles were right around a 7:00 minute pace. Not bad! Left to my own, I’m sure I would have been happy with a 8:00 pace, but that’s the great thing about training with a group. You can find a partner to challenge yourself and the motivation to push harder than your solo running comfort level.

Run Racing pace leader wins a USATF Road Mile Championships t-shirt!

It is not too late to jump into the Long Beach Marathon Training Program. Contact Jason Bruton for registration questions: [email protected]. The program costs $175, and includes entry into the Long Beach Full or Half Marathon, plus you get other cool training gear: workout bag, T-shirt, etc. And remember, the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon is the USATF Southern California 2011 Half Marathon Championships race. USATF will have additional medals in 13 age-group categories, three-deep for our USATF members, plus additional prizes. I am already registered, and hope to see you at the starting line on Sunday, October 9!

Enjoying some post-run refreshments in Whaley Park, Long Beach, CA.

Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wayne Joness
Open Athletics, Long Distance Running Chair

2011 SCA Road Running Grand Prix – Brentwood 5K Results

by

2011 SCA Road Running Grand Prix
2011 Brentwood 5K
Sunday – May 29, 2011

AWARDS
Open 1st: Mark Steyvers, M-41, 16:05, Karla Alburez, F-25, 17:11
Open 2nd: Michael Cortez, M-31, 17:00, Adrienne Schumm, F-25, 17:49
Open 3rd: Mark Gieseker, M-20, 17:10, Cambria Wu, F-32, 18:09

Masters 1st: Mark Steyvers, M-41, 16:05, Tania Fischer, F-45, 17:26
Masters 2nd: Jon Megeff, M-47, 16:31, Nathalie Higley, F-41, 17:46
Masters 3rd: Rich Gust, M-52, 17:13 Alison Atkinson, F-44, 17:50

2011 SCA Road Running Grand Prix – Brentwood 5K – Results

by

Brentwood 5K Results:

May 29, 2010
Top Finishers:

Open – Karla Alburez (F-25) 17:11 – Mark Steyvers (M-41) 16:05
Masters – Tania Fischer (F-45) 17:26 – Mark Steyvers (M-41) 16:05

Congratulations to the top USATF finishers at the Brentwood 5K! We are working on the Grand Prix scoring, and hope to have the first pass on the results available soon! Thanks so much to everyone who made the trip to Brentwood to run a great 5K race in perfect Southern California weather! Photos of the race expo are now on Facebook with more photos to come!

LA84 Cross Country Coaching Clinics Announced

by

Cross country season begins next month! Well, to be precise, the first cross country clinic of the season begins next month! Start planning and preparing your cross country season by attending one of the three FREE great LA84 Foundation Cross Country Coaching Clinics offered this summer.

There will be three full Advanced Level and Beginning Level cross country coaches clinics offered this summer at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut–all three will be absolutely free for all coaches and interested adults who would like to attend thanks to the great sponsorship of the LA84 Foundation.

  • Saturday, June 18
  • Saturday, July 16
  • Saturday, August 20

You can register for one, two or all three of the clinics, and you can see the full clinic agenda for each clinic by going to the LA84Foundation.org

Not only will each clinic date feature the absolute finest and most successful coaches in the sport but each Advanced Level clinic will also be completely different with completely different coaches presenting on completely different topics.

Furthermore, each clinic date will also offer a full slate of Beginning Level sessions, so if you are new to coaching the sport or you have assistants who are just starting out, there will be an entire day specifically targeting the new coach.

And there will also be several sessions offered at each clinic on both the preparation and treatment of specific injuries and preparing for the physical conditions associated with the sport of cross country.

So, you can see you won’t want to miss these clinics, and you will want to bring any assistants or other adults who may want to be part of your program next year. You and your entire staff or all of your parent volunteers can come together and attend the different sessions of the clinic that fit each person’s needs.

As mentioned earlier, each Advanced Clinic will feature different presenters speaking on different topics.

At the June 18th clinic, the Advanced Sessions will feature the following great coaches.

· Tim McIntosh, coach of St. John Bosco–the 2010 California State Division 3 Champions. There is no one better at developing runners over their four-year high school careers.

· Renee Smith, coach of Mira Costa—the 2010 Mt. SAC Inv Girls Grand Sweepstakes Champions. Renee has built a tremendous team at Mira Costa, and she will be presenting on developing a culture of teamwork and competitiveness in high school girls and also on developing female high school runners to maximize their long term success.

· Marco Ochoa, a world-class runner, disciple of the great Joe Vigil, and the very successful coach of state college champions Orange Coast College. Marco has the unique perspective of having taken the lessons learned while training under Coach Vigil and successfully applied them to working with high school and community college athletes.

In addition to these three great coaches, Bill Ito, head athletic trainer for our 2011 USA World Youth Track and Field Team, will be presenting sessions on indentifying and preventing cross country related injuries, and Bill Tokar, Ken Reeves, and Tim O’Rourke will be presenting a full slate of Beginning level sessions on a variety of topics including building a program, recruiting, basic physiology of training the high school distance runner, and creating a season-long training plan.

The July 16th clinic will feature in the Advanced Sessions the following outstanding coaches.

· Doug Soles, coach of Great Oak—the 2010 California State Girls DI Champions. Doug has built Great Oak into a national class program whose depth rivals any program in the country.

· Liam Clemons, coach of Trabuco Hills, the 2006 California State Boys DI Champions. For a decade now, Trabuco Hills has been a national powerhouse.

· Marty Dugard, coach of J Serra– the 2010 California State Girls DIV Champions. Marty has built the program at JSerra from the ground up into a state championship team.

All the athletic training and injury prevention and treatment sessions, as well as all the Beginning Level sessions, will be offered at the July 16th clinic.

Our third clinic, August 20th, will feature in the Advanced Sessions the following state championship coaches.

· Jim O’Brien, coach of Arcadia High School—the 2010 California State Boys DI Champions who set new course records at both the state meet and at Mt. SAC this year. Jim has built the Arcadia boys team into one of the greatest programs in the history of the sport.

· Lalo Diaz, coach of Loyola, the 2010 California State Boys DII Champions. Loyola not only runs well every year but it does so at the right time—no one knows how to bring a team to a peak better than Coach Diaz.

· Chuck Woolridge, coach of Campolindo High School– the 2010 California State Girls DIII Champions. Chuck is the only coach in state meet history to guide two different schools to state championships.

All the athletic training and injury prevention and treatment sessions as well as all the Beginning Level sessions will be offered at the August 20 clinic.

Once again, all three clinics are completely free for any coach or interested adult who would like to attend. You can register for one, two or all three of the clinics, and you can see the full clinic agenda for each clinic by going to the LA84Foundation.org

If you have any questions, you can contact our cross country clinic coordinator , Tim O’Rourke, at [email protected] or our LA84 coaching education coordinator, Devin Elizondo, at [email protected].